Under fire

Britain has poured hundreds of millions of pounds from its poverty relief fund into Pakistan’s version of Amazon, Chinese restaurant chains, online gambling websites, five-star hotels and luxury shopping malls, The Times can reveal. CDC Group, the government’s private equity division, claims that...Britain has poured hundreds of millions of pounds from its poverty relief fund into Pakistan’s version of Amazon, Chinese restaurant chains, online gambling websites, five-star hotels and luxury shopping malls, The Times can reveal. CDC Group, the government’s private equity division, claims that...Britain has poured hundreds of millions of pounds from its poverty relief fund into Pakistan’s version of Amazon, Chinese...

A “staggering” 92 per cent of women and 80 per cent of men in their fifties and sixties have dangerously large waists, putting them at significant risk of heart disease and diabetes, the chief medical officer has warned. To ensure the health of the nation it “is critical that [waist size] is addressed”, Dame Sally Davies said yesterday. She...A “staggering” 92 per cent of women and 80 per cent of men in their fifties and sixties have dangerously large waists, putting them at significant risk of heart disease and diabetes, the chief medical officer has warned. To ensure the health of the nation it “is critical that [waist size] is addressed”, Dame Sally Davies said yesterday. She...A “staggering” 92 per cent of women and 80 per cent of men in their fifties and sixties have dangerously large waists, putting...

Senior Labour figures have warned that the party is heading for “electoral disaster” after it slumped to fourth place in a by-election yesterday. The party slipped from its position as the main opposition to the Conservatives in the seat of Sleaford and North Hykeham, in Lincolnshire, falling behind Ukip and the Lib...Senior Labour figures have warned that the party is heading for “electoral disaster” after it...Senior Labour figures have warned that the party is heading for “electoral disaster” after it...

Sir Mick Jagger’s family tree became even more tangled yesterday as he celebrated the birth of his eighth child. The...Sir Mick Jagger’s family tree became even more tangled yesterday as he celebrated the birth of...Sir Mick Jagger’s family tree became even more tangled yesterday as he celebrated the birth of...

The Duke of Edinburgh has taken to goading daytime TV hosts about their untimely deaths. Phillip Schofield will host...The Duke of Edinburgh has taken to goading daytime TV hosts about their untimely deaths. Phillip...The Duke of Edinburgh has taken to goading daytime TV hosts about their untimely deaths. Phillip...

As a celebrated warrior king, Robert the Bruce has been depicted on banknotes and lionised in Flower of Scotland, his country’s unofficial national anthem. Yet what he actually looked like has remained a mystery. Yesterday, more than 700...As a celebrated warrior king, Robert the Bruce has been depicted on banknotes and lionised in...As a celebrated warrior king, Robert the Bruce has been depicted on banknotes and lionised in...

A schoolgirl has become Britain’s youngest female glider pilot on her 14th birthday. Ellie Carter, whose ambition is to join Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin space programme, first took the controls of an aircraft aged nine. She has now made flying...A schoolgirl has become Britain’s youngest female glider pilot on her 14th birthday. Ellie Carter...A schoolgirl has become Britain’s youngest female glider pilot on her 14th birthday. Ellie Carter...

British and American health experts are at loggerheads over e-cigarettes after the top US doctor said they should be treated in the same way as tobacco. Vivek Murthy, America’s surgeon-general, said that e-cigarette use among...British and American health experts are at loggerheads over e-cigarettes after the top US doctor said they should be treated in the same way as tobacco. Vivek Murthy, America’s surgeon-general, said that e-cigarette use among...British and American health experts are at loggerheads over e-cigarettes after the top US doctor said they should be...

Freed prisoners are deliberately getting recalled to jail to sell so-called legal highs behind bars, according to research released yesterday. Prices for substances such as Spice and Black Mamba can jump enormously once sold in...Freed prisoners are deliberately getting recalled to jail to sell so-called legal highs behind bars, according to research released yesterday. Prices for substances such as Spice and Black Mamba can jump enormously once sold in...Freed prisoners are deliberately getting recalled to jail to sell so-called legal highs behind bars, according to...

“There was one lady in her 90s,” Chris Hannan said as a smile spread across his face, “she always loved telling the same story about how the paratroopers would come back and say thank you to all the girls. Then she always used to lean forward and...“There was one lady in her 90s,” Chris Hannan said as a smile spread across his face, “she always...“There was one lady in her 90s,” Chris Hannan said as a smile spread across his face, “she always...

Corporate backers

People who have suffered serious head injuries in the past are more than twice as likely to end up in prison, according to a Canadian study. The research is the latest to link blows to the head with behavioural changes such as...People who have suffered serious head injuries in the past are more than twice as likely to end up in prison, according to a Canadian study. The research is the latest to link blows to the head with behavioural changes such as...People who have suffered serious head injuries in the past are more than twice as likely to end up in prison...

Thousands of patients could benefit from a blood test that can detect lung cancer up to five years before potentially deadly symptoms appear. Early results from an NHS trial showed that the £80 test could pick up antibodies...Thousands of patients could benefit from a blood test that can detect lung cancer up to five years before potentially deadly symptoms appear. Early results from an NHS trial showed that the £80 test could pick up antibodies...Thousands of patients could benefit from a blood test that can detect lung cancer up to five years before potentially...

Record numbers of women are taking part in sport, spurred by the success of Britain’s hockey team and gymnasts at the Rio Olympics. Around 250,000 more women in England are taking part in sport compared with two years ago and the total number...Record numbers of women are taking part in sport, spurred by the success of Britain’s hockey team...Record numbers of women are taking part in sport, spurred by the success of Britain’s hockey team...

Labour has a painful dilemma. About 90 per cent of Labour MPs favoured Remain in the June 2016 referendum, although 70 per cent of Labour-held constituencies - perhaps 90 per cent if London and a few other metropolitan centres...Labour has a painful dilemma. About 90 per cent of Labour MPs favoured Remain in the June 2016 referendum, although 70 per cent of Labour-held constituencies - perhaps 90 per cent if London and a few other metropolitan centres...Labour has a painful dilemma. About 90 per cent of Labour MPs favoured Remain in the June 2016 referendum, although...

In a year of seismic political events the Liberal Democrats’ by-election success last week in Richmond Park only registered as a minor tremor, but its implications for electoral politics in Britain may prove to be long lasting.In a year of seismic political events the Liberal Democrats’ by-election success last week in Richmond Park only registered as a minor tremor, but its implications for electoral politics in Britain may prove to be long lasting.In a year of seismic political events the Liberal Democrats’ by-election success last week in Richmond Park only...

Sir, Jenni Russell raises a crucial point that children are being trained for tests rather than how to succeed in work and life (“Brexit Britain can’t allow children to fail”, Comment, Dec 8). Particularly in this uncertain post-Brexit landscape...Sir, Jenni Russell raises a crucial point that children are being trained for tests rather than...Sir, Jenni Russell raises a crucial point that children are being trained for tests rather than...

Daily Universal Register

Briefing

UK: Results expected in the Sleaford and North Hykeham by-election after Tory MP Stephen Phillips’s resignation over Brexit; final investigation report published looking into allegations of Olympic doping by Russian athletes; UK Sport to announce their funding decisions for the Olympic and Paralympic Paralympic Games in Tokyo in 2020; Peers to debate the campaign to abolish the hereditary peer by-election system; London Palladium hosts its first pantomime since 1987.

India: England cricketers continue their fourth Test match .

South Korea: The opposition is due to vote on whether to pursue the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye over allegations of political corruption; the US special representative for North Korea policy to meet senior South Korean officials.

On this day

In 1905 the premiere of Richard Strauss’s opera Salome was held in Dresden; In 1960 the first episode of Coronation Street was screened; In 1990 Lech Walesa, who in 1983 had received the Nobel Peace Prize, was elected president of Poland.

Nature notes

There are now a small number of black redstarts in Britain, quite widely distributed, with some in towns. This is a robin-like bird; the male of which is mostly black with conspicuous orange-red sides to its tail. The female is brown but has a similar tail. They constantly flick their tail up and down and it trembles as it rises and falls. In the summer some migrate up from the Mediterranean to nest here, then go back, while in autumn others arrive here from the north. They are often seen on the roofs of tall buildings, and Salisbury and Worcester cathedrals have each had one flitting between their pinnacles in the past few days. Their lively red tail quickly attracts attention. They also frequent the tops of the towers in power stations. Black redstarts will drop down to the ground to feed on insects and they are also sometimes found running about on beaches or sitting on breakwaters and sea walls. In winter they are generally alone.

Aid workers have been forced to brave gunfire to rescue nearly 150 elderly, vulnerable or mentally ill Aleppo residents trapped for days in a care home in no man’s land, they said yesterday. In another grim account from the besieged city, staff of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent described finding confused people...Aid workers have been forced to brave gunfire to rescue nearly 150 elderly, vulnerable or...Aid workers have been forced to brave gunfire to rescue nearly 150 elderly, vulnerable or...

A decorated Russian army colonel killed in Syria had earlier played a senior role in the Kremlin’s military...A decorated Russian army colonel killed in Syria had earlier played a senior role in the Kremlin’s military intervention in eastern Ukraine, it has been claimed. Colonel Ruslan Galitsky died from his wounds on Tuesday after he was hit by artillery fire in a residential area of western Aleppo. A day earlier two...A decorated Russian army colonel killed in Syria had earlier played a senior role in the Kremlin’s military intervention in...

The Beijing-backed leader of Hong Kong is to stand down after a term marked by political divisions and pro-democracy protests. Leung Chun-ying’s surprise announcement that he will not seek a second term as the region’s chief...The Beijing-backed leader of Hong Kong is to stand down after a term marked by political divisions and pro-democracy protests. Leung Chun-ying’s surprise announcement that he will not seek a second term as the region’s chief...The Beijing-backed leader of Hong Kong is to stand down after a term marked by political divisions and pro-democracy...

The minister appointed as President Hollande’s chief scourge of tax dodgers has been sentenced to three years in prison for hiding €3.5 million in secret foreign bank accounts and lying to parliament about his fraud. The...The minister appointed as President Hollande’s chief scourge of tax dodgers has been sentenced to three years in prison for hiding €3.5 million in secret foreign bank accounts and lying to parliament about his fraud. The...The minister appointed as President Hollande’s chief scourge of tax dodgers has been sentenced to three years in...

Huddled in a hunting lodge in a forest in Belarus on a winter’s day 25 years ago, six men met in secret and signed a deal to break up the Soviet Union. Their hope was to bring down the curtain on an already stumbling superpower without bloodshed...Huddled in a hunting lodge in a forest in Belarus on a winter’s day 25 years ago, six men met in...Huddled in a hunting lodge in a forest in Belarus on a winter’s day 25 years ago, six men met in...

A Japanese town has taken to putting barcodes on elderly people to help to identify them and reunite them with their...A Japanese town has taken to putting barcodes on elderly people to help to identify them and...A Japanese town has taken to putting barcodes on elderly people to help to identify them and...

Accra Ghana’s opposition and ruling party have both claimed the lead as counting continued in the presidential election.Accra Ghana’s opposition and ruling party have both claimed the lead as counting continued in the...Accra Ghana’s opposition and ruling party have both claimed the lead as counting continued in the...

Britain’s trade deficit has narrowed sharply as exports picked up and imports fell. Exports rose by 4.6 per cent month-on-month in October and imports dropped 3.6 per cent, taking the deficit in goods and services to a five-month low of £2 billion, the Office for National Statistics said. October’s deficit was down from £5.8 billion in September and £5.4 billion in...Britain’s trade deficit has narrowed sharply as exports picked up and imports fell. Exports rose...Britain’s trade deficit has narrowed sharply as exports picked up and imports fell. Exports rose...

Santa came early for equity bulls with the FTSE 100 set to cap a strong week with a rally of more than 3 per cent.Santa came early for equity bulls with the FTSE 100 set to cap a strong week with a rally of more than 3 per cent. Stock markets have been boosted by the European Central Bank extending its monetary stimulus programme, a so-far restrained reaction to the political turbulence in Italy and expectations of a tax and...Santa came early for equity bulls with the FTSE 100 set to cap a strong week with a rally of more than 3 per cent. Stock...

Few things are quite as exciting in life as 82,000 miles of UK gas pipelines. So, no surprise they’ve proved so...Few things are quite as exciting in life as 82,000 miles of UK gas pipelines. So, no surprise...Few things are quite as exciting in life as 82,000 miles of UK gas pipelines. So, no surprise...

Over the years, I have spent many hundreds of hours at formal industry dinners wondering why they are so terrible and...Over the years, I have spent many hundreds of hours at formal industry dinners wondering why they...Over the years, I have spent many hundreds of hours at formal industry dinners wondering why they...

Buying a jet for $51.1 million only months after admitting that some staff were not paid the minimum wage has raised fresh concerns about corporate governance at Sports Direct. The sportswear retailer said that the purchase of the plane was a good decision because use of it would “facilitate efficiencies relating to the use of management time and the pursuit of...Buying a jet for $51.1 million only months after admitting that some staff were not paid the...Buying a jet for $51.1 million only months after admitting that some staff were not paid the...

Profits more than halved at Sports Direct as the steep fall in the pound and the corporate governance scandal...Profits more than halved at Sports Direct as the steep fall in the pound and the corporate governance scandal engulfing the retailer took its toll. Underlying profits at the company, which has been accused of operating a “Victorian workhouse”, fell by nearly 60 per cent to £71.6 million in the half year to October...Profits more than halved at Sports Direct as the steep fall in the pound and the corporate governance scandal engulfing the...

They thought it was all over. It is now. Eight years after launching a £97 million claim for the repayment of VAT over its Spot the Ball game, Sportech was celebrating victory over the taxman yesterday. The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the...They thought it was all over. It is now. Eight years after launching a £97 million claim for the...They thought it was all over. It is now. Eight years after launching a £97 million claim for the...

Italy’s largest lender has raised almost €2.5 billion from the sale of its stake in one of Poland’s biggest banks as it looks to bolster its balance sheet. Unicredit said yesterday that it would sell a 32.8 per cent holding in...Italy’s largest lender has raised almost €2.5 billion from the sale of its stake in one of Poland’s biggest banks as it looks to bolster its balance sheet. Unicredit said yesterday that it would sell a 32.8 per cent holding in...Italy’s largest lender has raised almost €2.5 billion from the sale of its stake in one of Poland’s biggest banks as...

The City regulator has warned debt management firms that they are not doing enough to help customers struggling under the weight of borrowing. In a so-called “Dear CEO” letter yesterday, the Financial Conduct Authority said...The City regulator has warned debt management firms that they are not doing enough to help customers struggling under the weight of borrowing. In a so-called “Dear CEO” letter yesterday, the Financial Conduct Authority said...The City regulator has warned debt management firms that they are not doing enough to help customers struggling under...

China’s foreign trade figures confounded expectations last month as exports from the country grew for the first time in nine months. Exports and imports grew in November by 0.1 per cent to £15.6 billion and by 7.3 per cent to £12 billion...China’s foreign trade figures confounded expectations last month as exports from the country grew...China’s foreign trade figures confounded expectations last month as exports from the country grew...

Quiz: Edgar’s XI

More than 1,000 Russian athletes across all sports were involved in or benefited from a state-organised conspiracy to cover up doping, an investigation has revealed. The numbers reveal the full scale of Russian doping from 2011 to 2015, including during the London 2012 Olympics. As a result of...More than 1,000 Russian athletes across all sports were involved in or benefited from a state-organised conspiracy to cover up doping, an investigation has revealed. The numbers reveal the full scale of Russian doping from 2011 to 2015, including during the London 2012 Olympics. As a result of...More than 1,000 Russian athletes across all sports were involved in or benefited from a state-organised conspiracy to cover up...

Sir Bradley Wiggins is not expected to face further investigation over the mystery package delivered to his doctor in France, but Team Sky and British Cycling could be reprimanded after a UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) inquiry. Anti-doping officers have spent more than two months looking into an “allegation of wrongdoing” after the revelation that a...Sir Bradley Wiggins is not expected to face further investigation over the mystery package delivered to his doctor in France, but Team Sky and British Cycling could be reprimanded after a UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) inquiry. Anti-doping officers have spent more than two months looking into an “allegation of wrongdoing” after the revelation that a...Sir Bradley Wiggins is not expected to face further investigation over the mystery package delivered to his doctor in France...

José Mourinho admits he has been disappointed by Wayne Rooney’s form in front of goal this season. Rooney put in a mediocre display last night as Manchester United eased into the knockout stages of the Europa League with a 2-0 victory away to Zorya Luhansk. The United captain tested Ihor Levchenko, the home...José Mourinho admits he has been disappointed by Wayne Rooney’s form in front of goal this season.José Mourinho admits he has been disappointed by Wayne Rooney’s form in front of goal this season.

For months, we have been asking a straight question and been denied a straight answer. This week, UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) is wrapping up its investigations into the mystery package delivered to Team Sky in France back in 2011 and, according to one...For months, we have been asking a straight question and been denied a straight answer. This week...For months, we have been asking a straight question and been denied a straight answer. This week...

England’s roll gathers more and more momentum. This year has belonged to the national side and to Eddie Jones, the...England’s roll gathers more and more momentum. This year has belonged to the national side and to...England’s roll gathers more and more momentum. This year has belonged to the national side and to...

Gloucester maintained the 100 per cent start to their bid to regain the European Challenge Cup with a 35-14 victory...Gloucester maintained the 100 per cent start to their bid to regain the European Challenge Cup...Gloucester maintained the 100 per cent start to their bid to regain the European Challenge Cup...

Normal service has resumed, with the usual suspects in control, writes Paul Joyce

So much for the new order. It was a year ago, as Leicester City were about to move to the top of the table and Crystal Palace and West Ham United dreamed of dining out in the Champions League, that the notion of a Premier League where equality ruled rather than the established elite was put forward. “I think this is a permanent shift at the top,” said Slaven Bilic...So much for the new order. It was a year ago, as Leicester City were about to move to the top of...So much for the new order. It was a year ago, as Leicester City were about to move to the top of...

The FA Cup third round games chosen for live TV coverage might have been predictable, with Manchester United picked...The FA Cup third round games chosen for live TV coverage might have been predictable, with Manchester United picked for the 55th time in a row in the competition, but the schedule came as a shock to the chairman of Sutton United. Bruce Elliott’s non-League club were drawn at home to face AFC Wimbledon and he hoped...The FA Cup third round games chosen for live TV coverage might have been predictable, with Manchester United picked for the...

The release last week of a powerful video by Jets, the Jockey Enterprise Trust, revealed the individual cost of...The release last week of a powerful video by Jets, the Jockey Enterprise Trust, revealed the...The release last week of a powerful video by Jets, the Jockey Enterprise Trust, revealed the...

Paul Pogba, Swansea City v MANCHESTER UNITEDThings haven’t gone entirely to plan for both Pogba and United this season but there is no doubting the French midfielder’s class and he showed exactly why he is so highly regarded with this...Paul Pogba, Swansea City v MANCHESTER UNITEDThings haven’t gone entirely to plan for both...Paul Pogba, Swansea City v MANCHESTER UNITEDThings haven’t gone entirely to plan for both...

Championship fixtures

Astronaut and politician who became the first American to orbit the earth and, 36 years later, the oldest person in space

When John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth — the feat made him the most famous man in the world — he watched with wonder from far above. Thirty-six years later, after a second career in politics, he made history again, becoming the oldest person in space at the age of 77. Glenn’s early exploits were the subject of the Tom Wolfe book, The Right Stuff...When John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth — the feat made him the most famous...When John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth — the feat made him the most famous...

When Emerson, Lake & Palmer toured America in 1977, it took 11 trailers to transport their gear from show to show.When Emerson, Lake & Palmer toured America in 1977, it took 11 trailers to transport their gear from show to show. Their entourage included a 70-strong orchestra, two accountants, a doctor, a hairdresser, the drummer Carl Palmer’s personal karate trainer and a crew of 63 roadies, one of whom was employed solely...When Emerson, Lake & Palmer toured America in 1977, it took 11 trailers to transport their gear from show to show. Their...

Ralph Branca exemplified sport’s capacity to define lives in an instant. With one wayward throw he was for ever cast in the popular imagination as one of baseball’s biggest losers. It was the afternoon of October 3, 1951, and the New York Giants...Ralph Branca exemplified sport’s capacity to define lives in an instant. With one wayward throw...Ralph Branca exemplified sport’s capacity to define lives in an instant. With one wayward throw...

In 2001 Redwings Ada Cole horse charity asked Hayley Ward if she could help it by schooling a troublesome rescue pony...In 2001 Redwings Ada Cole horse charity asked Hayley Ward if she could help it by schooling a...In 2001 Redwings Ada Cole horse charity asked Hayley Ward if she could help it by schooling a...

We all know that owning a pet can help to boost your health and wellbeing, but it works both ways — dogs need to...We all know that owning a pet can help to boost your health and wellbeing, but it works both ways...We all know that owning a pet can help to boost your health and wellbeing, but it works both ways...

Anyone want to buy a secondhand CD for Christmas? How about 200? OK, technically the 200 discs on Mozart 225: The New Complete Edition (★★★★☆ Decca, £325) aren’t secondhand, but the vast majority aren’t new either. The exceptions include recent...Anyone want to buy a secondhand CD for Christmas? How about 200? OK, technically the 200 discs on...Anyone want to buy a secondhand CD for Christmas? How about 200? OK, technically the 200 discs on...

★★★★☆You don’t get half-measures with Boris Eifman. The Russian choreographer, now 70, makes big, bold, often quite brash modern ballets, full of soul-baring passion and muscular, acrobatic, pointe-free dance. Throughout the 40 years he has...★★★★☆You don’t get half-measures with Boris Eifman. The Russian choreographer, now 70, makes...★★★★☆You don’t get half-measures with Boris Eifman. The Russian choreographer, now 70, makes...

Watch our critics discuss the big new releases. This week — Snowden and The Birth of a Nation. See the Times+...Watch our critics discuss the big new releases. This week — Snowden and The Birth of a Nation...Watch our critics discuss the big new releases. This week — Snowden and The Birth of a Nation...

As the cold weather starts to bite, it’s only natural to dream of warmer climes, whether that is planning a break in the sun or something more permanent. Christmas and the new year are busy times for estate agents in the Caribbean because...As the cold weather starts to bite, it’s only natural to dream of warmer climes, whether that is...As the cold weather starts to bite, it’s only natural to dream of warmer climes, whether that is...

“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world indeed.” That sentiment...“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world...“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world...

Contemporary architecture is often not the main reason why people are resistant to new developments. The lack of trees on a scheme of new homes is a key cause of distrust. This may be why many computer-generated images of schemes feature abundant...Contemporary architecture is often not the main reason why people are resistant to new developments.Contemporary architecture is often not the main reason why people are resistant to new developments.

The way in which homeowners live, rather than the bricks and mortar they buy, is the key force at play when predicting property trends. While no particular house types were singled out as the next big thing by our experts, what was highlighted...The way in which homeowners live, rather than the bricks and mortar they buy, is the key force at...The way in which homeowners live, rather than the bricks and mortar they buy, is the key force at...

Nicola Sturgeon is facing a battle with middle Scotland over her plans to allow teenagers from deprived backgrounds into university with worse grades than students from wealthier families, according to an exclusive poll for The Times. The research reveals that only three in ten Scots agree...Nicola Sturgeon is facing a battle with middle Scotland over her plans to allow teenagers from deprived backgrounds into university with worse grades than students from wealthier families, according to an exclusive poll for The Times. The research reveals that only three in ten Scots agree...Nicola Sturgeon is facing a battle with middle Scotland over her plans to allow teenagers from deprived backgrounds into...

The chairwoman of the single market committee in the European parliament has warned that a Norway-style trade arrangement would not work for a complicated economy like Scotland. The day after Michael Russell indicated that the Scottish government was leaning towards backing such a set-up after Brexit, Vicky Ford claimed that it would damage...The chairwoman of the single market committee in the European parliament has warned that a Norway-style trade arrangement would not work for a complicated economy like Scotland. The day after Michael Russell indicated that the Scottish government was leaning towards backing such a set-up after Brexit, Vicky Ford claimed that it would damage...The chairwoman of the single market committee in the European parliament has warned that a Norway-style trade arrangement would...

Nicola Sturgeon said that she was “sickened” by the allegations of child sex abuse at football clubs but ruled out extending a government inquiry into historical cases into the sport. The first minister was responding to a Labour plea to expand the remit of the Scottish child abuse inquiry in light of the growing...Nicola Sturgeon said that she was “sickened” by the allegations of child sex abuse at football...Nicola Sturgeon said that she was “sickened” by the allegations of child sex abuse at football...

Hundreds of jobs have been safeguarded after the Ministry of Defence signed a £287 million contract for two more Royal Navy ships to be built on the Clyde. The two offshore patrol vessels will be built at the BAE Systems Govan shipyard before...Hundreds of jobs have been safeguarded after the Ministry of Defence signed a £287 million...Hundreds of jobs have been safeguarded after the Ministry of Defence signed a £287 million...

The debate about tuition fees in Scotland rarely does justice to the range of views held by people living here. That...The debate about tuition fees in Scotland rarely does justice to the range of views held by...The debate about tuition fees in Scotland rarely does justice to the range of views held by...

Cheeky Ruth Davidson was in her element at first minister’s questions yesterday. “To pre-empt the usual excuses” she...Cheeky Ruth Davidson was in her element at first minister’s questions yesterday. “To pre-empt the...Cheeky Ruth Davidson was in her element at first minister’s questions yesterday. “To pre-empt the...

Film and television producers spent a record £52.7 million shooting in Scotland last year. The amount comfortably beat the previous best, the £45.8 million recorded in 2014. The sector has grown in value for four years in a row. The bonanza comes...Film and television producers spent a record £52.7 million shooting in Scotland last year. The...Film and television producers spent a record £52.7 million shooting in Scotland last year. The...

Shona Robison, the Scottish health secretary, has been questioned about rising vacancies and barriers to recruitment in the NHS. The number of nursing and midwifery jobs lying empty for three months or more jumped by almost...Shona Robison, the Scottish health secretary, has been questioned about rising vacancies and barriers to recruitment in the NHS. The number of nursing and midwifery jobs lying empty for three months or more jumped by almost...Shona Robison, the Scottish health secretary, has been questioned about rising vacancies and barriers to recruitment...

Workers are significantly less likely to call in sick if they know their absence will cause difficulties for colleagues. The findings by academics at the University of Aberdeen come from a study of absence rates among...Workers are significantly less likely to call in sick if they know their absence will cause difficulties for colleagues. The findings by academics at the University of Aberdeen come from a study of absence rates among...Workers are significantly less likely to call in sick if they know their absence will cause difficulties for colleagues.

The government is set to define consent by passing a law listing situations in which victims could not have agreed to sex. Frances Fitzgerald, the tanaiste and justice minister, has committed to a “complex” amendment that, if passed, would radically reform the criminal justice system and increase legal protection for rape victims. The...The government is set to define consent by passing a law listing situations in which victims could not have agreed to sex. Frances Fitzgerald, the tanaiste and justice minister, has committed to a “complex” amendment that, if passed, would radically reform the criminal justice system and increase legal protection for rape victims. The...The government is set to define consent by passing a law listing situations in which victims could not have agreed to sex.

The economy is being stunted by European rules limiting spending, Leo Varadkar has said. The social protection minister said the government needed to be able to spend more on housing, transport, water and healthcare so that the country stayed competitive. In a speech at the Institute of International and European...The economy is being stunted by European rules limiting spending, Leo Varadkar has said. The...The economy is being stunted by European rules limiting spending, Leo Varadkar has said. The...

Children were allegedly sprayed with bleach in a racist attack that was one of a record number of reported incidents. The European Network Against Racism Ireland, an umbrella organisation, said 190 racist incidents were...Children were allegedly sprayed with bleach in a racist attack that was one of a record number of reported incidents. The European Network Against Racism Ireland, an umbrella organisation, said 190 racist incidents were...Children were allegedly sprayed with bleach in a racist attack that was one of a record number of reported incidents.

Eamon Ryan asked where today’s TK Whitaker was during an impassioned speech in the Dail yesterday calling for immediate action on climate change. The Green Party leader wished a happy 100th birthday to Mr Whitaker, the public...Eamon Ryan asked where today’s TK Whitaker was during an impassioned speech in the Dail yesterday calling for immediate action on climate change. The Green Party leader wished a happy 100th birthday to Mr Whitaker, the public...Eamon Ryan asked where today’s TK Whitaker was during an impassioned speech in the Dail yesterday calling for...

Irish banks’ mismanagement of tracker loans was a disgrace, Bernard Sheridan, the head of consumer protection at the Central Bank, said as he rejected claims that the regulator “sat on its hands” for years after the issue was...Irish banks’ mismanagement of tracker loans was a disgrace, Bernard Sheridan, the head of consumer protection at the Central Bank, said as he rejected claims that the regulator “sat on its hands” for years after the issue was...Irish banks’ mismanagement of tracker loans was a disgrace, Bernard Sheridan, the head of consumer protection at the...

A proposed bill that would give the Central Bank powers to cap mortgage interest rates is “far from certain” to succeed in reducing variable rates and could cause significant long-term damage to the market, senior bank...A proposed bill that would give the Central Bank powers to cap mortgage interest rates is “far from certain” to succeed in reducing variable rates and could cause significant long-term damage to the market, senior bank...A proposed bill that would give the Central Bank powers to cap mortgage interest rates is “far from certain” to...

Some 2016 years after the greatest of miracles on Israeli soil, Dundalk arrived in Tel Aviv last night dreaming of another one. Yet it was not to be. The deliverance of yet another gutsy display earned them credit but no points. Not that it would have mattered anyway, as AZ Alkmaar, the Dutch team who went into last night’s round of games a point clear of the SSE...Some 2016 years after the greatest of miracles on Israeli soil, Dundalk arrived in Tel Aviv last...Some 2016 years after the greatest of miracles on Israeli soil, Dundalk arrived in Tel Aviv last...

The ghosts of England’s present and recent past will be gathered at Franklin’s Gardens tonight. Fresh from completing...The ghosts of England’s present and recent past will be gathered at Franklin’s Gardens tonight. Fresh from completing an unbeaten year with England, Eddie Jones will take his seat in the stands as Northampton Saints take on Leinster in the European Champions Cup, observing not only a number of players who have...The ghosts of England’s present and recent past will be gathered at Franklin’s Gardens tonight. Fresh from completing an...

Katie Taylor may not measure up in physical stature to Anthony Joshua, the world heavyweight champion, but the Bray boxer hopes to reach the same heights as her fellow London 2012 Olympic champion. The pair will share a bill tomorrow night when...Katie Taylor may not measure up in physical stature to Anthony Joshua, the world heavyweight...Katie Taylor may not measure up in physical stature to Anthony Joshua, the world heavyweight...